McDonald’s makes $200m commitment to regenerative agriculture and responsible beef sourcing

Credit: refrina / Shutterstock.com

McDonald’s USA is making its largest-ever move into regenerative agriculture, committing more than $200 million to accelerate sustainable beef sourcing and support cattle ranchers across the United States.

Beef has been central to McDonald’s menu for more than 70 years, and the new initiative reflects the company’s long-term strategy to link responsible beef sourcing with wider sustainability and regenerative agriculture goals.

The fast-food giant has partnered with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and key suppliers to launch the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative.

The programme will fund regenerative grazing practices, habitat restoration, and water and wildlife conservation across up to 4 million acres in as many as 38 states.

Cesar Piña, McDonald’s Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, North America, said:

As a brand that serves more than 90 percent of Americans every year, we recognise the responsibility we have to help safeguard our food systems for long-term vitality.

“Through our support of this initiative, McDonald’s USA is demonstrating the power of partnership between the public and private sectors and that feeding the population and stewarding our natural resources can coexist.”

Supporting ranchers

McDonald’s suppliers, including Cargill, Golden State Foods, Lopez Foods, OSI, and The Coca-Cola Company, will also contribute to the fund. NFWF will independently manage the funds, awarding competitive grants to organisations that support ranchers in adopting regenerative agriculture techniques and improving wildlife habitats.

Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at NFWF, added:

The benefits of grassland conservation are far-reaching.

When cattle are managed to optimise multiple ecological and economic values, the land holds more water, grows better grass and supports more wildlife. Conservation practices voluntarily adopted by ranchers can improve the productivity of grasslands, increase ranching profitability and strengthen the vitality of rural communities across the United States.”

The initiative will provide ranchers with financial incentives, technical support, and infrastructure upgrades such as fencing and water systems. It also aims to build resilience in McDonald’s US beef supply chain while ensuring long-term environmental stewardship.

Kateri and Carbon Yield will independently monitor and quantify soil health improvements for McDonald’s USA, with the first round of competitive grants expected in January 2026.